These are solid words of wisdom for anyone at any time. But the recent string of natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and fires, and the mass shooting in Las Vegas certainly brings this great truth to the surface in the most dramatic manner. The final toll in lives and damage may not be known be for some time. But one thing is certain: those who have lost their lives had no idea they would be in eternity so suddenly. And, sadly, there will be more disasters to come with more lives lost.
In the light of that stark reality, those who are in Jesus Christ, and therefore spiritually ready to face tragedy, should reassess their true efforts to share their saving faith with those who are not. The same loving God who offered His own Son for the salvation of all is also the Judge of all who never turn to Him for redemption and forgiveness. The writer of Hebrews summed it up quite candidly: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31)
The destiny of those who lost their lives in the ravages of nature and by a madman's bullets is now eternally set. But those who survived have been given a sacred second chance. They still have the priceless opportunity to act on God’s free offer of forgiveness and the security found only in Jesus Christ. But more often than not, that requires Christians to be involved in the process. Romans 10:17 states the expected and effective method. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Pray for those who are part of God’s family of faith in Texas, Florida, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Mexico, California and Las Vegas. Pray for their own spirits to be lifted and comforted by God’s indwelling Holy Spirit. And pray that, in the midst of unimaginable chaos and loss, they can muster the spiritual strength and motivation to boldly share His supernatural peace and miraculous saving power!
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Bill Breckenridge
(This post was updated from a NEWSpoint blog written in 2013. It is a testimony to the truth that God's Word is always relevant.)
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